Welcome Cr Karen Foster, Acting President ALGWA-Vic.
Karen is a second-term Councillor who has served two terms as Mayor and a term as Deputy Mayor. The only woman elected to Moyne Shire Council in her first term, she is a passionate and proactive advocate for women in local government.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Karen is also an active Board Director, Board Chair and Independent Chair.
Karen is a former Journalist and communications professional who to works to support women in leadership through development programs, mentoring and coaching. She has followed as an ALGWA mentor since 2024.
She has two adult children and lives with her husband in coastal Port Fairy.
Beyond her life as Councillor and business owner, Karen loves reading, gardening, long beach walks with her dogs and cooking for family and friends.
A Message from Clare,
Stepping Down, Not Out!
It is with a full heart that I have officially stepped down as President of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.
Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honours of my professional and personal life. I am deeply grateful to each of you for the trust you placed in me to lead this remarkable organisation. Your support and shared passion for strengthening the voice of women in local government has made this journey incredibly meaningful.
ALGWA Victoria - Is excited to introduce our Acting President on the 9th April.
Mary Rogers became Victoria's first female Councillor when she was elected to Richmond Council on 5 November 1920. Serving from 1920-1925, Mary was a champion of progress.
She drew from her experience as a sole parent who worked as a cleaner after her husband died and brought a different perspective to decision making. We can thank Mary for initiating the first community maternal and child health services in Victoria and forging Councils into welfare, education and family issues.
Imagine the challenges and the resistance she faced.
Imagine the positive impact she helped create.
Mary Roger's legacy lives on and she remains an inspiration for us to follow in blazing a trail for good. ALGWA Victoria is delighted that the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) in partnership with the Victorian Government have launched the new awards, to celebrate Victorian women councillors driving positive change in their communities.
Nominations are now open and close 5pm Friday 24 October 2024.
💜 Mary Rogers Award - for outstanding civic leadership
💜 Emerging Woman Leader Award - for first-term councillors showing outstanding leadership
💜 Gender Equality Council Champion Award - for councils leading meaningful change
Diversity is good for democracy so is acknowledging trail blazers. ALGWA is proud of the contribution women make to local government and we encourage everyone to embrace these awards.
Visit the VLGA link below to learn more or nominate
.au/governance-leadership/local-government/mary-rogers-awards
ALGWA Victoria was delighted to enable Anthony Vippond CEO of Lotus Recycling the opportunity to share Lotus' "Make Your Mark" story with participants at our recent state conference. Lotus Recycling is Australia’s first fully operational solar and e-waste recycler that supplies its contributions to a circular economy.
Anthony shared 3 main messages.
1. Take responsibility for solving problems you are part of:
As a renewable energy business, Anthony recognised that Lotus was part of the problem generating waste. Upon discovering that the company they were relying on to recycle their solar panels in Australia was actually just stockpiling them, they decided it was not acceptable and took action.
"We decided to develop this recycling initiative and developed a prototype plant in Thomastown (Melbourne) that was the most advanced solar recycling plant in the world at the time."
2. Solving local problems can have global impact:
"I can say with my hand on my heart, that we are the only fully operational solar recycling facility in Australia. We have been invited by the German government to develop a solar recycling facility which will be constructed in 2026." Anthony stated. (This plant will recycle 3 million panels annually.)
3. To make your mark be brave and speak up:
"I encourage all of you to take your position, be brave, be courageous, don't be afraid to speak up when you see things that you believe don't align with your values. Take action and don't be afraid of what someone else may think".
In a remarkable moment of serendipity, Anthony gave a shout out to Cr Rose Iser from Moonee Valley Council, recounting a time many years ago when he gave a submission on a development in Moonee Valley. Anthony said, "At the time, Cr Rose challenged us. I walked away saying this is the Councillor we respect the most because you said your views and were very honest".
Thank you Anthony and Lotus Recycling for making your mark. We value the work you are doing and appreciate your sponsorship of our conference.
"Foresight is just hindsight with better timing" was just one of the many valuable insights shared by futurist Simon Waller with us at the recent ALGWA Victoria State Conference hosted by Hume City Council.
Future thinking techniques can help us find answers to some of the biggest and most pressing challenges in local government. Lots of conversations started and continuing as Councillors and supporters of women in local government across Victoria collaborate to help our communities now and into the future.
Thank you, Simon, and everyone who participated in "Make Your Mark".
What do you think are some of the biggest and most pressing challenges facing our communities, our Councils, our country and our world at this time?
How do you look to see the bigger picture?
simonwaller.live/about-simon-waller
Congratulations to Helen Coleman OAM on being awarded Life Membership for her significant and valued contribution to ALGWA Victoria and advancing women's leadership in local government.
Helen served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor at Nillumbik Shire Council from 2004 - 2016. Helen has been a member of ALGWA for 20 years and is our longest serving committee member. In announcing Helen's award at the ALGWA Vic State Conference, fellow Life Member Coral Ross AM recognised Helen's passion for gender equality and mentoring and how very special this award is.
Helen has been instrumental in establishing the ALGWA Vic Mentoring Program and was acknowledged by Kathleen Matthews-Ward MP Member for Broadmeadows as being one of her mentors. "Thank you, Helen, for everything you have taught me, for your patience and generosity of spirit with everyone. To have the longest time serving on the board is wonderful. Your contribution is incredible" Kathleen said.
In accepting her award, Helen reflected on the women who have come before us in local government, named other Life Member recipients and expressed her feelings of honour and gratitude emphasising the teamwork of many in delivering the work of ALGWA.
Photo credit: Tim Carrafa
Fabian Dattner has spent decades helping organisations across Australia and internationally evolve their leadership practise and culture.
It was a privilege for us to share space with Fabian and talk about leadership - kind courageous values driven leadership - at our state conference recently.
In her keynote address, which was more like a nurturing conversation, Fabian presented a survival manifesto for women in Councils:
1. You are not your role
2. Burnout is not a badge
3. Public opinion is weather
4. Conflict is energy
5. You can't pour from an empty cup
6. Find your anchor people
7. Hold purpose clear
Thank you, Fabian, for your rousing message of love, support and confidence. ALGWA is all about offering an anchor to women in local government and we commend Dattner Group on your stewardship of transformative leadership among individuals and Councils.
Were you at "Make Your Mark"? What resonates with you from Fabian's survival manifesto?
Photo credit: Tim Carrafa
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ALGWA Victoria held its annual Conference in collaboration with @humecitycouncil last Friday and Saturday and it was an absolute cracker, a heartfelt two days connecting, sharing and learning in the beautiful Broadmeadows Town Hall.
The Conference was opened by @nickstaikos Minister for Local Government, with some very exciting news... ALGWA Victoria is receiving a $20,000 funding boost for its mentoring program!
This money specifically enables us to support another 20 first time councilors from the 2024 elections. Over the last three election cycles, 115 councillors have been through our award winning mentoring program and we know it has far and long reaching positive impacts for participants, their councils and the broader sector. Of the 20 funded places we will prioritise single woman councils of which there are still sadly too many in Victoria.
ALGWA Victoria would like to acknowledge the voluntary support of Leonie Morgan AM, clare williams, Sarah Gilligan, Coral Ross AM CF FAICD , Linda Bennett and Sandra Wilson in getting the first cohort of 20 from the 2024 elections mentored without funding. Thanks for your commitment and belief in the power of mentoring.
Thank you Minister Staikos for helping us help women to help women. As recent ALGWA Victoria Life Member, Helen Coleman OAM says - "You have to keep putting the ladder down".
..
@algwa_national@humecitycouncil@_vlga@municipalassociationofvictoria LGPro VIC (Local Government Professionals)
Maddocks, Justitia Lawyers & Consultants
Rural and regional councillors, metro councillors & ALGWA friends, you are most welcome to join us for a pre-conference dinner catch up at Cucina 3064 located at the beautiful Marnong Estate Winery this evening, Thursday 28 August 6.30pm.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at our ALGWA Vic State Conference hosted by Hume City Council at Town Hall Broadmeadows this Friday & Saturday. A reminder registration opens 8.30am Friday 29 August.
Last minute conference bookings will be accepted. https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Grants-awards-and-funds/Make-Your-Mark-ALGWA-Victoria-State-Conference-2025
Make Your Mark! Mega Multi Draw Raffle - Flash Sale!
We invite everyone to purchase tickets in our State Conference Mega Multi Draw Raffle.
Help support our award-winning ALGWA Vic Mentoring Program. Tickets on sale now until noon Saturday 30 August 2025 via Trybooking. Draw to take place at Town Hall Broadmeadows Saturday 30 August. Great prizes!
Thank you to our generous raffle sponsors - Creative Flowers, Imbue Distillery, Chocilo Chocolates, Soy on the Hill, Nillumbik Estate.
We are so excited to be partnering with Hume City Council to bring Councillors from across Victoria together to connect, learn & lead with purpose.
If you can't make it to the conference this year, buy raffle tickets to join the buzz.
Tickets: 1 for $10, 3 for $20, 10 for $50
What prizes would you most like to win?
Don't miss out. Time's limited so get your raffle tickets today!
/DEJVW
⚡ Last chance energy: If you’ve been waiting to book your ticket — this is your sign.
🎟️ Doors to Make Your Mark are almost closed.
Don’t miss the event everyone will be talking about.
🎯 Secure your spot today:
https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Grants-awards-and-funds/Make-Your-Mark-ALGWA-Victoria-State-Conference-2025
🌟 As we get ready for the ALGWA Victoria 2025 State Conference – Make Your Mark, we want to hear from YOU.
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
